About 3,000 visitors packed out the Locomotion museum in Shildon to see a replica of Locomotion No 1 set off on the same route it first took two centuries ago this weekend, marking the birth of the modern railway.
Many in the crowd had travelled extraordinary distances to be part of the milestone moment.
Michael Levin journeyed 3,650 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Darlington for what he called the trip of a lifetime.
Michael Levin from Chicago at Locomotion in Shildon.(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
The 68-year-old said: “I have been planning this trip for four years now. I am here for the full weekend and going into Darlington tomorrow.
“I have been looking forward to this a long time as I am a ‘hardcore’ rail fan and this was something of a lifetime trip. It has been a delight to see this, just wonderful.
“It is my first time here but in the states things like the Big Boy Locomotive, I have chased that on some occasions and various other steam locomotives.
“The steam locomotive is kind of like a live beast, everyone moves differently, it sounds different. It sounds like something that is alive and it is just amazing to see.”
Motomu, Naoaki, Nobuyuki and Tadashi travelled 8,875 miles from Japan to be there.
Motomu, Naoaki, Nobuyuki and Tadashi travelled 8,875 miles from Japan to be there.(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
They said: “We love trains and follow them all around the world. From when we were all high school students we would get passes and ride on so many trains. It is an exciting day.”
Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, chatted to spectators before climbing aboard the ‘Experiment’ carriage, pulled by Locomotion No 1 for a short journey.
The replica thrilled fans as it steamed along the original tracks at Shildon before heading through Heighington and into Darlington’s Hopetown.
The anniversary weekend continues with thousands more expected to follow.
AloJapan.com